Text prepared by: Nikolay Kondratyev
If you are going to purchase a household or industrial electric generator, then you should consider everything in advance technical nuances related to maintenance and oil changes. Many users are interested in what kind of oil to pour into the generator so that it lasts as long as possible, works in intensive mode and has stable operational parameters? The type of your station plays an important role. Diesel and gasoline equipment has many constructive and technical differences. It should be noted that the quality of the fuel is also key. Only use those grades of gasoline or diesel fuel that are specified in the factory specifications and instructions. Experienced operators always monitor the fuel level in the tank because they know the engine consumption and approximate operating time. Technical oil acts as a lubricant for the rubbing metal elements of the gearbox. During operation of the equipment, it is necessary to check that the oil level in the crankcase is not below acceptable values. Otherwise, the engine may stop or jam, as well as emergency situations and serious problems. You should also periodically replace lubricating fluid, since over time it becomes dirty and loses its properties. On average, the fluid is replaced every 25-50 operating hours, depending on the type and model of the autonomous power station. However, it must be taken into account that not every engine oil suitable for your device. The type and brand of lubricant depends not only on design features generator, but also on the conditions at the place of operation. This article presents materials that will help you quickly determine the composition required for a particular station. In order to understand what kind of oil is poured into the generator, you need to familiarize yourself with the system API markings. It is used all over the world and makes it possible to quickly and accurately determine the optimal lubricants. The first letter always indicates the type of engine: for gasoline - S, and for diesel - C. The second letter is needed to determine the quality of the oil and the additives used in it. For example, the symbols A and B indicate oil Low quality, unlike L, H and M. It must be remembered that two-stroke and four-stroke engines need various oils, so you should always read the packaging carefully. In addition to parameters such as engine type, required quality and number of cycles, there is another factor in order to understand what kind of oil to fill in the generator. The most important role plays a role in the air temperature in the place where the equipment is operated. Mineral oils are better suited for warmer temperatures, and in winter conditions It is customary to use synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds. SAE (temperature) markings for summer oils usually start with numbers 15 or 20, for winter ones - 0 or 5, and for all-season oils with 10. Experts recommend completely draining used motor oil when replacing mineral oil with synthetic oil or vice versa. When mixing two various compositions Possible problems with the engine internal combustion, as well as the occurrence of emergency situations. Diesel generators need regular service and repairs. This the necessary conditions for maximum longevity. For this reason, you should know where to buy spare parts for diesel generators of decent quality. You can replace consumables and parts yourself or contact professionals. During the operation of a diesel generator, it is necessary to take into account what measures need to be taken and what spare parts should be periodically replaced to uninterrupted operation equipment. During the Maintenance rate: Spare parts should be replaced regularly and systems should be checked for functionality. Activities during generator maintenance: It is important to take the choice of suppliers of parts and consumables seriously. All replaced materials and fluids must comply with technical requirements, which are indicated by the generator manufacturer. Purchasing in specialized retail stores will not only not protect you from counterfeits, but will also cost more than purchasing spare parts online. When purchasing spare parts and Supplies In an online store, the product should be found in the catalog. It is a structured database of spare parts for generators, in which parts can be sorted by generator type, brand, spare parts manufacturer, and price. Online catalogs contain the following categories of spare parts and consumables: Oils, antifreeze, and electrolytes also do not require strict compliance with the brand of the unit. Diesel fuel for the generator also needs careful selection. A diesel generator, like a gasoline generator, requires the use of certain lubricants. After all, during operation, engine parts must have an effective lubricant. Otherwise, the generator resource will run out quite quickly. Any manufacturer strongly recommends using oil that is ideally suited to the operating conditions of the equipment. Maintenance of a diesel generator can be carried out either independently or entrusted to specialists. One of the most important maintenance procedures is timely replacement oils and oils, air filters. If it is carried out systematically, we can confidently talk about long-term and trouble-free operation of the equipment. Mineral oil in pure form not used in generators. Indeed, synthetic analogues have very effective additives that provide more pronounced benefits: During the operation of the generator, some of the oil burns, and some degrades as a result of systematic exposure from the generator. That is, changing the oil is a regular procedure. It should not be done sporadically. The oil change period depends entirely on the nature of the operation. The marking that was introduced by the US Petroleum Institute is taken as a basis. Thus, the letter “C” is used to designate oil for diesel generators. The letter “S” is oil for gasoline analogues. In addition, the name may contain additional letters. They indicate the use of specific additives to improve the performance of the technical fluid. The title ends with a number. The number is used to indicate the type of engine - two-stroke or four-stroke. In addition to all of the above, it is important to understand that oils for diesel generators may vary by season: summer, winter and all-season. Summer oils include such names of oils as SAE30, SAE40. For winter: SAE0W, etc. Of course, the market provides all-season oils. However, let’s not forget that professionals in the field of servicing diesel generators still recommend choosing oil for a specific season. In this case, the equipment will be under maximum protection. The video demonstrates the procedure for changing the oil in a diesel generator:
Are you planning to purchase a generator for your home or business? Then you know that to ensure its operation you need to take care of fuel and oil for the generator. In order for the generator to start properly and operate under any operating conditions, you need to seriously approach the issue of choosing fuels and lubricants. Depending on type installed engine, diesel fuel or gasoline can be used as fuel. The quality of the compositions directly affects the serviceability of the parts, as well as the level of their wear. Do not use leaded fuel as it will produce particulates from combustion which will cause engine damage. Generator manufacturers make the following recommendations: Professional advice
What oil is better to fill in a generator?
What spare parts for diesel generators are available for replacement?
Approved maintenance standards apply for regular maintenance.
The measures depend on the number of hours the generator has worked. Common names technical inspection are called TO-1, TO-2, TO-3.
Timely replacement of worn parts can prevent complex and costly repairs or failure of the unit.
Where to look and buy spare parts?
For preventive and repair work you must have a universal set of tools and wrenches, as well as quality spare parts and consumables.
The nuances of using spare parts catalogs
It is also possible to purchase universal spare parts that are suitable for a number of brands of diesel generators.
25.03.2019
Oil for petrol generator and diesel generator
Oil is an essential consumable for a power plant. It serves to lubricate the rubbing parts of the gearbox and engine, reducing their wear.
While the equipment is operating, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient oil level in the crankcase to avoid engine shutdown and serious damage.
In addition, the used composition requires replacement after break-in (after the first 5 hours of operation), also every 20 - 50 hours of operation and during seasonal maintenance of the generator.
But it’s thoughtless to fill in the first thing you come across. generator oil it is impossible, because a specific composition is intended for each type of engine and operating conditions. A knowledgeable person can easily determine this by reading the information on the packaging. To make this easier for you, we will tell you in more detail about how the markings are read.
By API system(American Petroleum Institute) compositions are marked with two letters. The first letter determines the type of fuel used: S - for gasoline, C - for diesel. The second letter in the marking indicates quality characteristics oils, depending on the use of special additives. For example, oils marked A, B and C are classified as low class.
For diesel generators it is recommended to use quality oils marked CD, CE or CF-4, for gasoline - SJ, SL. In addition, for 2 and 4 stroke engines they are used different oils(information about this is indicated on the packaging).
Based on their composition, they can be divided into mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. They contain special additives that impart such quality characteristics as viscosity and fluidity. Note that under different temperature conditions these properties may change, therefore, each composition has its own operating temperature range.
For example, mineral oil is great for use at above-zero temperatures, but as soon as the temperature drops below zero, it can crystallize and the generator engine will not start. This is why it is important to distinguish oils by season of use. There is an SAE standard for this.
To prevent you from getting confused in complex index values, we will present all the information in the table:
The recommendations presented in the table are approximate, since for each brand of internal combustion engine each manufacturer provides a list of the most suitable oils and additives. It all depends on the degree of acceleration, thermal stress of the engine and other individual characteristics. You will find information about the compositions for your generator in the instructions.
Professional advice: When using all-season (or, as they are also called, multi-temperature) oils such as SAE10W30 at air temperatures above +4 °C, be prepared for their excessive consumption compared to summer oils. In this regard, you will have to check the oil level and add it more often than usual to prevent wear on the rubbing parts of the engine.
When changing mineral oil for synthetic (and vice versa), it is recommended to completely drain the old one and fill in the new one to avoid incompatibility of additives when mixed. This way you can avoid serious problems in engine operation and related repairs.
What kind of oil should I put in the generator?
So, we have sorted out the choice of basic consumables. Now let's move on to the question of what else will be useful at work. Unfortunately, not all buyers pay attention to such details, but in vain. The absence of important equipment such as an extension cord can cause downtime.
To enable you to work at a considerable distance from a power source, we recommend purchasing an extension cord. It is useful at a construction site, in a workshop, and at home for connecting power tools, pumps and other equipment to a generator. Wire length different devices can range from 10 to 50 meters.
In the case where the power plant will be used constantly at an enterprise or in a residential building, and will also be used as a backup power source for lighting and household appliances, you need to purchase a conductive wire to connect all consumers to the generator.
In this case, the number of cores should be taken into account: a two-core cable is suitable for an installation that produces a current with a voltage of 220 V, a three-core cable is suitable for equipment that produces 380 V.
All plastic parts resistant to high temperatures, which prevents fire; most products also have grounding contacts. By purchasing such devices, you can be confident in the safe operation of the entire electrical system. To prevent voltage fluctuations produced by the electric generator from causing damage to such highly sensitive equipment as computers, medical equipment and alarm systems, we recommend purchasing a stabilizer.
When servicing the generator, it is recommended to wear gloves on your hands so as not to get burned on hot parts, and also not to get dirty when pouring fuel and oil into the tanks. Don't forget also about cans for oil and fuel. Such containers are very convenient for both storage and transportation. They have comfortable handles, and the neck is tightly screwed on with a lid to prevent liquid from spilling.
The most convenient are double canisters, in which one compartment is intended for oil, and the other (larger volume) is for gasoline. These canisters are available in the range of Husqvarna, Champion, Stihl. Depending on the tank volume of your generator, as well as the average fuel consumption, you can choose a capacity from 1 to 6 liters.
In reality, this is about 3-4 years of work. Naturally, no oil with magic additives is able to serve indefinitely, plus leaks, plus the combustion of part of the oil in the cylinders of a running diesel engine, in short, the oil decreases, and its properties during operation under the influence of high temperatures change and not better side. In the end, diesel generator oil you will have to buy more, top up and simply replace. Everything has its time. This maintenance process applies to all diesel generators, regardless of power and manufacturer.Manufacturers of diesel generator drives, in mandatory, indicate the oil characteristics in the diesel passport. The use of recommended oils helps to increase the service life of a diesel generator. All oils can be divided into mineral and synthetic. Their mixture is called semi-synthetic. Some companies design their diesel engines to specific oils, for example synthetics, which is noted in the passport. Therefore, when choosing oil, in addition to viscosity and seasonality, it is necessary to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Engine oils are classified according to international API tables (US Petroleum Institute). For diesel engines The first letter of the marking is “C”. For gasoline engines it is “S”. The next letter means the presence of certain additives that improve the quality of the oil; they are in the order of the Latin alphabet with increasing quality and price. After the letters there are numbers II for two-stroke and 4 for four-stroke diesel engines. Since diesel engines run on generators household use predominantly four-stroke engines, then the oil brand may look like this, CF-4.
In addition to quality, oil is characterized by viscosity. It is selected depending on the conditions of use of the diesel generator. Temperature has a significant effect on viscosity. As the temperature rises, it decreases. Oil viscosity is classified by the International Society automotive engineers and is abbreviated with the three letters SAE.
Seasonal oils:
- summer, SAE20, SAE30 and SAE40;
- winter, SAE0W;
- all-season, SAE 10W30, SAE 15W40, SAE 20W50.
Regardless of the labeling, oils are made on a mineral and synthetic basis. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that for diesel generators installed under open air or under a canopy, it is better to use in winter period exactly winter oil, it is more effective than all-season.
